"You’re going to the River Domain?"

Sean’s reaction was completely different from everyone else’s.

Upon hearing Roland’s plan, the good-natured friend showed neither concern nor sadness, nor did he offer his blessings.

He just froze for a moment, then asked in a worried tone.

"By yourself, Roland?"

"I heard from Uncle Peyton that the River Domain isn’t exactly a peaceful place. Trade is booming there, but it also attracts all sorts of shady characters, with different factions fighting openly and in secret..."

His brow furrowed deeper, and his speech quickened unconsciously.

"Roland, Uncle Peyton compared it to a powder keg with a gold trim—magnificent on the surface, but fraught with danger on the inside."

He counted on his rough fingers, listing the rumors he’d heard one by one.

"During the day, the canals are filled with spices and silks. After nightfall, they might be filled with corpses. Caravans bring pearls from the south and furs from the north into the city, only to be plundered by bandits in the blink of an eye..."

Growing more agitated, he suddenly sat up in bed and grabbed Roland’s arm.

"An outsider like you, who doesn’t know the lay of the land, would be like a fat sheep walking into a den of hungry wolves!"

Roland had already learned about these things Sean was talking about back when he accepted Colin’s offer.

Therefore, his friend’s warnings didn’t make him hesitate in the slightest.

To him, obtaining the Knight’s Breathing Technique in the most direct and fastest way possible was more important than anything else.

Even if the River Domain was truly a dragon’s lair or a tiger’s den, he was willing to take the risk.

Seeing that Roland’s expression hadn’t changed at all, Sean’s brow was tightly furrowed, his face a mask of conflict.

After a moment of silence, he finally gritted his teeth and said, as if having made up his mind.

"If it comes to it... I’ll go with you! If we’re together and something happens, at least we can watch each other’s backs..."

These words stunned Roland for a moment.

He knew better than anyone how much Sean admired Beckham.

Although he didn’t know how his dear friend had gone from a mere militiaman to one of Beckham’s personal Guards, he could imagine the hardships involved.

Now that he had finally achieved his dream, he was willing to give up everything he had worked so hard for, all for Roland’s sake.

This gesture of friendship warmed Roland’s heart.

"Alright, Sean..."

Roland playfully flexed his arm, showing off his bulging muscles with a mischievous grin.

"Like Uncle Peyton said, look at this physique of mine now. Who would dare bully me?"

"But..."

Sean frowned, hesitating.

"Besides, your situation is different from mine."

Roland rested his arms behind his head and gazed calmly at the ceiling, his voice tinged with seriousness.

"Your Uncle Peyton and your father, Gary, are both in the Golden Valley Kingdom. If you came with me to the River Domain, you might not see them for a very long time."

He paused, then turned to look at Sean, his tone gentle but firm.

"And besides, didn’t you just become one of Lord Beckham’s personal Guards? That’s been your dream all along."

"But I think..."

Sean’s expression wavered slightly, but it was quickly replaced by resolve. He clenched his fists, his voice low and firm.

"Nothing is more important than you, my brother! Uncle Peyton and Dad Gary don’t need me to worry about them. As for Lord Beckham..."

Recalling his time in the barracks, a flicker of reluctance crossed Sean’s eyes, but he quickly suppressed it.

"Alright, let’s not talk about this anymore!"

Roland lightly bumped Sean with his shoulder, trying to lighten the mood with a carefree smile.

"You do well here. If I can’t make it in the River Domain, I might have to shamelessly come running back to you! Don’t turn me away when that happens, okay?"

"As if!"

Seeing Roland’s mind was made up, Sean finally stopped trying to persuade him. He sighed softly, and his usual good-natured smile returned to his face.

He puffed out his chest and said with a hint of pride.

"A few days ago, Lord Beckham promoted me to Knight’s Attendant! If you come looking for me in the future..."

He winked, a sly smile on his face.

"I’ll have you help me with Taming Horses! It’s an easy job! Then we can..."

"Wait!"

Roland shot up, his eyes shining as he stared at his best friend, his voice filled with unconcealable excitement.

"You’re Lord Beckham’s Knight’s Attendant now?"

"Ye-yeah..."

Seeing Roland’s reaction, Sean thought he had misunderstood his joke and quickly waved his hands to explain.

"Sorry, Roland, I was just kidding. There’s no way I’d actually make you my Groom..."

"No, that’s not the point!"

Roland grabbed Sean’s shoulders tightly, his gaze intense as he pressed.

"Since you’re a Knight’s Attendant, you must be good with Long-Handled Weapons, right?"

"Of course..."

Sean scratched his head, a little confused.

"As a Knight’s Attendant, how could I not know how to use Long-Handled Weapons, the most effective weapon on horseback?"

He straightened his back, a hint of pride in his tone.

"It’s precisely because I’m especially skilled with Long-Handled Weapons on horseback that Lord Beckham promoted me ahead of schedule..."

"That’s great!"

Roland burst out laughing, his eyes twinkling with excitement.

’This is a wonderful surprise!’

He had originally planned to ask Colin to find someone to teach him about Long-Handled Weapons after he arrived in the River Domain.

He never expected that just by visiting an old friend, he would run into a ready-made teacher!

At the same time, he was secretly amazed by the talent Sean had shown.

Just six months ago when they parted, Sean could barely grasp the most basic Swordsmanship. The only praiseworthy thing about him was his monstrous brute strength.

But in just half a year, he had not only mastered Equestrianism but also become proficient in the use of Long-Handled Weapons.

One had to know that as an Extraordinary Professional Knight, Beckham’s selection process for attendants would be incredibly strict.

The fact that Sean could pass the assessment was proof enough of his skill—it was the real deal!

"Sean..."

Roland suddenly slung an arm around Sean’s neck and tightened his grip.

The immense Power made it hard for Sean to breathe for a moment.

He looked up at Roland, who had a relaxed smile on his face, which made Sean’s own expression turn strange.

If he remembered correctly, scenes like this often happened between them, but their roles were usually reversed.

’This guy, Roland...’

As the pressure on his neck increased, a thought suddenly flashed through Sean’s usually slow mind.

’Is he getting revenge for all the times I put him in a headlock?’

Roland watched Sean’s face turn progressively redder, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly. He applied a bit more force before abruptly letting go and saying with utmost sincerity.

"Brother, teach me the techniques for using Long-Handled Weapons!"

"COUGH, COUGH, COUGH..."

Finally able to breathe properly, Sean couldn’t help but cough a few times. He shot Roland a slightly resentful glare before saying seriously.

"Teaching you is no problem... but, Roland, which type of Long-Handled Weapon do you want to learn?"

"Which ones do you know?"

"Uhh..."

Sean began counting on his thick fingers.

"The basics like the Long Spear and lance go without saying... Because I’m strong, Lord Beckham also specifically taught me how to use the Long-handled Axe and the long-handled war hammer..."

Hearing this, Roland’s eyes lit up, and he rubbed his hands together excitedly.

"Sean, I want to learn them all!"

"All... all of them?"

Sean froze for a second, scratched the back of his head, and said hesitantly.

"That’s not a problem, but Roland... the techniques for these Long-Handled Weapons aren’t easy to master to begin with, let alone using them on horseback. Do you really have enough time to learn?"

Roland nodded firmly, his eyes shining with determination.

"Of course!"

There were still nearly three months until the ship to the River Domain departed.

Right now, his Riding Skill was already superb. Although his mounted combat skills were still a bit rusty, with the help of his [Concentration] Trait, this period was more than enough time for him to master the techniques of several Long-Handled Weapons.

"Alright then."

Since it was Roland’s request, Sean naturally wouldn’t refuse.

However, he scratched his head and said apologetically.

"But I have to train at the barracks during the day. I’m afraid I’ll only be free to teach you in the evening."

"That’s fine. That’s enough time."

Roland nimbly hopped off the bed, casually stroked the Red Squirrel dozing on the wooden table, and then walked straight to his bag to rummage through it.

Before long, a smile touched his lips as he pulled out a slightly yellowed Sheepskin Scroll and waved it at Sean.

"To show my thanks, Sean, I have a gift for you!"